Director of Development, Major Gifts

Director of Development, Major Gifts

To serve as the Director of Development, Major Gifts, on the Computer Science development team. Successful candidates will work closely with the team's existing Director of Development and focus on identifying and cultivating new donor prospects with a capacity of $100,000+.

Responsibilities :

• Build and carry an active portfolio of 70-90 well-qualified prospective and active donors with a capacity of $100,000+ and solicit gifts to support operations and grow the endowment through pledged and planned monetary gifts. Engage in qualification, strategy, development, relationship building, and closing of major gifts at $100,000+ for Computer Science through annual gifts and endowment of scholarships, programs, and priorities of the department.
• Participate in goal setting, proposal preparation, strategy development, and stewardship as required for donors in the managed portfolio and as requested. Successfully and consistently deliver funding proposals with a focus on engaging new donors. Consistently produce $2,000,000+ per year in contributed revenue that is available within the fiscal year as well as building endowment funding.
• Maintain an understanding of the Computer Science priorities, vision, and mission. Effectively work with, communicate with, and collaborate with Computer Science leadership and other development staff to develop department-wide funding opportunities to reach annual budgetary and long-term campaign goals. Work collaboratively, proactively, and in a professional, service-oriented manner with all departments and development staff to further goals and mission of Computer Science.
• Utilize fundraising databases and prospecting tools. Maintain appropriate electronic documentation on a timely basis, including engagement activities, proposal tracking, contact reports, donor strategies, and forecasting.
• Performs related duties as assigned. May work on assigned projects.

Required Qualifications :

Bachelor's Degree and minimum of three years' experience in major gifts fundraising or a related field.

Proven success in developing and executing full-cycle donor strategies.

Strong emotional intelligence, intellectual curiosity and strategic thinking.

Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, interpersonal).

Effective project management and problem-solving abilities, thrives under pressure.

Collaborative and independent work style; able to engage across teams.

Proficient in CRM platforms such as VIP, Salesforce, or similar applications.

Willingness and ability to travel frequently to engage with prospects and donors.

Demonstrated discretion, integrity and professionalism in all interactions.

Preferred Qualifications :

Extensive experience beyond the minimum requirement in fundraising and / or planned giving.

Background in fundraising within a technical or STEM-focused field.

Graduate degree and / or Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification.

Prior experience in a large, complex academic research university environment.

Salary Range : $110,000+ depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions :

Standard office environment.

Must be able to travel frequently, overnight and weekends as necessary.

Required Materials :

Resume / CV

3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Letter of interest